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Tottenham Hotspur got back to winning ways before the international break, seeing off Aston Villa to move back into top-six contention but they can count their lucky stars that a former target wasn’t available to haunt them.

That, of course, being Jack Grealish.

The England sensation has emerged as one of the best players in the Premier League right now, though it could’ve been an all too different story had Spurs secured his signature nearly three years ago.

According to The Sun, Lilywhites chairman Daniel Levy had an opportunity to sign the attacker for just £6m as Villa, then cash-strapped fighting the prospect of administration and in the Championship, were willing to sell him to garner some desperate funds.

This is where the tough-negotiator let his greatest strength quickly become Spurs’ greatest mistake in recent times. Levy believed he could secure Grealish for £1m to £2m cheaper, so he boarded the plane for the club’s pre-season trip to Los Angeles mulling over the move.

By the time he landed, Villa had been sold to billionaires Nassef  Sawiris and Wes Edens, who quickly slapped an asking price of £40m on his head.

That has turned out to be a ghastly error, with the 25-year-old dynamo a shoo-in to feature for England at the summer’s European Championship on home soil.

Despite Villa battling relegation last season, Grealish still created the second-highest number of chances (91) in the Premier League. He was only second to Man City superstar Kevin De Bruyne (136) and ahead of the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold (87), Willian (76) and Mo Salah (61). No Spurs player made the top ten, as per Squawka.

He has continued this fine form, ranking as the Premier League’s second-best player (7.73) as per WhoScored ratings, behind Harry Kane (7.78). Grealish has the same number of assists as Bruno Fernandes (ten) and only sits behind Kane and De Bruyne for that aspect, too.

Ahead of the January transfer window at the start of the year, the Midlands outfit quite rightly slapped a £100m price tag on his signature, as per the reliable Matt Law at the Telegraph, which would make him the most expensive British player of all time if anyone wants to pay it.

That number will surely only be rising as the season rumbles on, especially with him due back from injury after the break.

Comparisons to former Spurs great Paul Gascoigne and many a glowing endorsement ranging from being dubbed a “monster” by Joe Cole to being lauded “absolutely outstanding” by England boss Gareth Southgate, will only have Levy even more gutted, and perhaps even a little bitter.

Whether Grealish would’ve had this rise if he joined Spurs in 2018 remains to be seen, but it certainly seems to be the case that the north Londoners missed out big time.

They will surely forever regret that ghastly call from Levy.

AND in other news, Levy surely licking his lips over Spurs “monster”, his value has doubled since 2017…

Former Premier League striker Dean Windass has told Football FanCast that Danny Ings will not be moving to a top-four club this summer but he believes Arsenal could end up making a move for the Southampton forward.

Ings has been in excellent form this season, scoring eight goals in the Premier League, and has 42 in 91 appearances for the south coast outfit in total.

He has battled injury issues, having sustained a knee problem earlier this season, but remains the Saints’ key man going forward.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men are currently 14th in the Premier League table, seven points clear of the relegation zone.

Windass is convinced that Southampton will stay in the top-flight but he does not believe Ings will be moving to a club in the top four when the transfer window reopens.

Ings has played for Liverpool previously, but he made just 25 appearances for the Reds, scoring four goals.

Liverpool signed the player as he came to the end of his contract at Burnley and Windass believes that his performances at Anfield may put off any potential suitors.

He told FFC: “Southampton will stay in the Premier League. Because Danny Ings went to Liverpool and it wasn’t a success, I can’t see one of the top four buying him.”

However, Windass does think that a club like Arsenal could make a move for the forward.

He has claimed that he could cost as much as £50m, but he does not believe the Gunners should be regarded as a Champions League-level team.

Windass added: “Maybe Arsenal, but I’m not talking Arsenal as a top four team.

“Arsenal will probably go and pay £30, £40, £50 million for him, whatever, but I can’t see Danny Ings going into the top four.”

Scottish Police Federation chairman David Hamilton has suggested Glasgow Rangers are to blame for the scenes that unfolded in George Square and at Ibrox after their status as Premiership champions was confirmed.

Hamilton blames Rangers

The Gers were finally crowned champions after Celtic could only draw 0-0 with Dundee United. That therefore led to thousands of supporters taking to the streets to celebrate – breaking coronavirus regulations in the process.

Hamilton has since commented on the scenes and has laid the blame at the club’s feet. He said (via The Daily Record):

“Rangers was pretty disgraceful at the weekend when we had the celebrations in George Square.

“Not just in terms of their silence in advance but also in allowing their players to go to the corner of the stadium to cheer along, also in the dressing room, cheering people along and taking footage.

“Those behaviours contributed to the problems. We should not forget that. What we really need to see is the clubs making it clear. The First Minister is right, it’s not one statement or one day’s worth of social media, it is about being persistent and consistent.

“People are putting the match at risk and things like the Euros at risk with their behaviours. They need to be treated by the clubs with bans and so on.”

Too harsh

Of course, the Gers were not blameless in regards to the scenes which Hamilton is talking about. Steven Gerrard and his players celebrated with the fans outside Ibrox from windows in the stadium, for example. However, a message was played over the tannoy system urging fans to go home (The Glasgow Times).

While Rangers supporters are linked to club and always will be, the establishment itself cannot be blamed for the actions of people whom they cannot control. It seems the Gers, here, are an easy target for Hamilton to go after. Perhaps the Police themselves should look at how they handled the situation and allowed things to descend into chaos.

In other news, Rangers fans slam this Union Bears statement.

West Brom have edged closer to signing Okay Yokuslu, according to emerging reports…

What’s the word?

The Telegraph’s John Percy revealed that the Baggies were in talks with Celta Vigo over a move for the Turkey international before Saturday’s crunch match with relegation rivals Fulham.

He claims that a defensive midfield addition has been among Sam Allardyce’s priorities this transfer window, alongside a new forward too.

An initial loan deal for Yokuslu is expected to go through before the deadline on Monday. He has been cherry-picked over Leicester City youth product Hamza Choudhury.

Biggest need filled

Big Sam’s side are the leakiest defence in the Premier League, conceding a whopping 12 more goals than any other side but given he has plenty of options at the back, it’s on him to find the best partnership.

Although, an anchorman presence would certainly help as their midfield gets bypassed far too easily. Aside from rarely-seen academy graduate Sam Field, Albion do not have anyone else in the role.

When asked about the potential of defensive reinforcements, Allardyce told reporters, via BirminghamLive: “Unless I get rid of any of the six centre-halves I already have, no. I can’t bring another centre-half in when I already have six.”

But in Yokuslu, he’ll be getting a solution to this ongoing nightmare.

He also added: “If we can get a good defensive midfield player who can pass the ball as well as intercept and keep the pressure off the back four then we will try to get him.”

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-this-weeks-latest-west-brom-news-and-transfer-rumours” title=”Read this week’s latest West Brom news, transfer rumours and more…”]

Indeed, this is what the 26-year-old would bring to the Hawthorns.

Currently, Allardyce has often turned to a partnership of Romaine Sawyers and Jake Livermore, neither of which are defensively-minded enforcers.

In fact, the former has been the Baggies’ worst player this season with an average WhoScored rating of 6.13 – no other regular starter has managed worse.

Livermore isn’t too far behind with an average rating of 6.17.

But Sawyers has been left wanting in multiple matches this season – it’s as if he’s not adapted to the rise in opposition quality and game intensity from the Championship to the Premier League.

Per FBRef, he is dribbled past 1.53 times every 90 minutes and is only able to successfully tackle his opposite number 29.4% of the time, which is again, the worst between him and Livermore.

The 29-year-old also ranks 11th in this squad for tackles and interceptions combined per 90 (3.18).

By comparison, the €10m-rated (£9m) Celta Vigo powerhouse is managing 4.51 tackles and interceptions and is only dribbled past 1.18 times per 90, via FBRef.

That makes him the more industrious and imperious option, so no wonder Allardyce has given the nod over this move.

Yokuslu has been described as a ‘fine physical specimen’ because of his 6 foot 3 frame and is said to be a ‘swashbuckling midfielder who likes to get stuck in,’ which would be right up Big Sam’s street going by his aforementioned remarks.

To make this move even better, the imposing colossus is equally adept at playing in central defence too, so that should aid their leaky backline.

As the Yokuslu is initially coming in on loan, it’s pretty much a risk-free deal as he’s only thought to be on £29k-per-week in Spain. If they stay up, they’ll only have to pay £4.4m for him permanently too, and that could be a bargain.

Allardyce can finally stop persisting with Sawyers upon this imminent arrival, as evident above, he’s the solution to this defensive nightmare.

AND in other news, West Brom urged to sign “quality” 24-cap international…

After West Ham United came away with a 2-1 London derby victory over Tottenham this afternoon at the London Stadium (BBC), plenty of Hammers lavished the ‘unsung’ performance of defender Issa Diop as David Moyes’ men cement a crucial Premier League win. 

Michail Antonio opened the scoring early on before January signing Jesse Lingard notched a second just after the half time interval.

Tottenham winger Lucas Moura pulled a goal back for the north Londoners but it wasn’t enough, with Gareth Bale only threatening an equaliser by striking the crossbar.

West Ham eventually held out for an heroic win, and despite the brilliant contributions of both Antonio and Lingard, plenty of Irons held special praise for Diop following a brilliant defensive shift – find all of their verdicts on the defender down below.

West Ham fans hail Diop

“Diop was absolutely fantastic today”

Credit: @JamiePaul587

“Dawson and Diop were outstanding”

Credit: @jjohncaskey

“Diop was class today, for somebody who’s hardly played, brilliant performance”

Credit: @danheath2021

“Issa Diop done a job on Kane today, top class.”

Credit: @MattGardner90

“Jose will love Diop even more after that, what a performance.”

Credit: @WHUFCallum_

“If all our defenders perform at their best, Diop is our best defender by a mile! The guy is a monster. A lot of fans are just thickle! & quick to forget.”

Credit: @RoyalDocks8

“Unsung performance of the afternoon for West Ham has to be Issa Diop – very solid against a top quality opposition attack; even more impressive given his lack of consistent game time in recent months for West Ham. Huge confidence building performance from Diop. Much needed.”

Credit: @WestHamJoshV

In other news: West Ham flocked to this ExWHUemployee claim, find out more here.

Manchester United maintained their unbeaten record in the FA Cup with a hard-fought victory over Watford at Old Trafford on Saturday night.

Scott McTominay fired the hosts ahead after a sublime pass from Alex Telles, but United struggled to get a foothold in the game against a battling Watford outfit.

After successive victories, United find themselves joint-top of the table with defending Premier League champions Liverpool. Yet there was nothing to choose between the two sides for the majority of the game, as the Red Devils offered very little to suggest the gulf in class with Watford.

McTominay may have opened the scoring, but it was Alex Telles who arguably stole the show at Old Trafford. He took more touches (114) than any other player on the pitch and clearly made all of that possession count as he produced 69 passes out of 86 attempts (80%), as per SofaScore.

Telles was a constant thorn in Xisco Munoz’s side, with a poor clearance the only real blemish. But the rare mistake shouldn’t take the gloss off what was otherwise a sublime performance overall.

He kept on putting passes on a plate for Daniel James, only for the winger to squander several chances to double their lead.

SofaScore graded the £31m-rated 28-year-old with a game-high rating of 8.4 out of ten – he made two tackles, two interceptions and three clearances, whilst he also won six out of his ten duels (60%) overall.

The Brazilian full-back has built a career off the back of his offensive style of play but it was his defensive contributions that didn’t go unnoticed by The Daily Express, with Archie Griggs noting he produced ‘a number of important contributions at the back.’

Telles has had to bide his time for opportunities, with just seven starts from 12 appearances across all competitions, although he will have sent Solskjaer a timely reminder with his latest showing.

With Luke Shaw rested for the FA Cup third round, the club legend could face one of the biggest selection headaches he has had to deal with since taking charge at Old Trafford.

AND in other news, Man United must bite the bullet and sell Phil Jones in January…

After slipping to one of their most disappointing results of the season against Burnley last time out, Aston Villa will be hoping to get back to winning ways when they travel to the south coast to take on Southampton.

Dean Smith’s side were in front twice against the Clarets in the Premier League clash at Turf Moor, but a late rally from the home side saw them come from behind to win 3-2.

Villa did receive a major boost earlier in the week with the confirmation of Morgan Sanson’s arrival from Ligue 1 giants Marseille, and Smith will surely be tempted to hand him his debut at St Mary’s.

With no other injury concerns either, Smith is likely to go as full strength as possible, and with that in mind, below is a look at how Villa might line up for the game against Southampton on Saturday night.

The back-five is likely to remain unchanged as it pretty much has been all season, with the only real dilemma for the Villa boss coming in central midfield, with new signing Sanson waiting in the wings.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Smith revealed: “Morgan Sanson came in on the Wednesday when we were at Burnley and did a little bit of training with our performance team. He was then training with the lads yesterday.

“He looks in a good place and he’s available for the squad, so he’ll certainly travel down with us.”

With Douglas Luiz having played an incredible amount of football already this season both with Villa and Brazil – he’s started every Premier League game bar one – Smith may feel he could offer the former Manchester City man a rest, and hand Sanson his debut.

Further forward, Trezeguet is pushing for a recall to the starting line-up after making another cameo appearance off the bench against Burnley following a few weeks out with an injury.

That could see the 55-cap Bertrand Traore drop out, with Trezeguet joined alongside by Ross Barkley and Jack Grealish. Ollie Watkins meanwhile will be hoping to make it a third Premier League game in a row in which he has scored.

Predicted XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett; Sanson, McGinn; Trezeguet, Barkley, Grealish; Watkins.

Meanwhile, this Aston Villa star was Dean Smith’s only silver lining vs Burnley…

David Sullivan can redefine David Moyes’ West Ham United with a swoop for Olympique de Marseille’s Nemanja Radonjic in the January transfer window.

What’s the word?

According to the print edition of The Sunday Mirror (06/12, p63), Marseille are open to sending Radonjic out on loan in the upcoming winter market after he fell down Andrea Villas-Boas’ pecking order.

Radonjic has only started nine per cent of the Stade Velodrome natives’ Ligue 1 fixtures this season, with his sole opening role coming on matchday one away to Stade Brest before making five substitute appearances prior to sustaining a thigh injury last month.

Radonjic would have hoped to see his opening role in August’s victory over Brest lead to further opportunities to impress Villas-Boas after starting just eight of his 21 top-flight outings last term, but he is now thought to be on his way out.

Marseille are informing any potential suitors of their willingness to strike a mid-season deal, with West Ham and Southampton said to be keen on a temporary transfer.

The 6ft wide man is yet to score and boasts more yellow cards (two) than assists (one) in all competition after eight appearances this term, and had only struck home on six times in 47 games heading into the current campaign.

Chance to redefine West Ham

While Radonjic has struggled to make an impact under Villas-Boas, the 20-cap Serbia international’s potential availability should not be scorned at by West Ham supporters, for he can redefine Moyes’ side if Sullivan gives the green light to a winter deal.

Radonjic enjoyed his best single-season return in front of goal last year despite making 13 of his 21 Ligue 1 appearances from the bench, with the forward finding the net five times before sustaining a groin strain and the campaign being called early amid the coronavirus pandemic.

His strikes included a winning effort against Stade Brest, an equaliser at FC Metz and goals to settle meetings with FC Toulouse and AS Saint-Etienne, too.

The Serbian forward has brought his creativity to the field when given the chance from the bench this season, as well, with SofaScore data showing an average of 0.7 key balls a game despite playing just 24 minutes a match prior to his injury – which is more than Pablo Fornals offers (0.6) at the London Stadium from 82 minutes per Premier League outing.

Moyes could be the one to settle Radonjic down into a regular role and unlock his full potential if West Ham push ahead and sign him, after Angelo Ogbonna recently praised the former Manchester United boss for helping the Hammers to break free of their shackles.

“The potential of the squad here has always been high, always,” Ogbonna told the Evening Standard. “I want to give a big credit to the manager. Since he came in, he changed a lot of things: discipline, hard work and you can see on the pitch. He has a lot of credit on that one.”

AND in other news, a “powerful” West Ham dud has given David Moyes all the evidence in the world to why he will never be trusted.

Sheffield Wednesday suffered yet another defeat in a Yorkshire derby as Tony Pulis’ winless run in charge of the Owls continued this afternoon.

Local rivals Barnsley came from behind in the first half to secure a 2-1 victory at Hillsborough Stadium, meaning it’s now three draws and four defeats since the 62-year-old took over from Garry Monk.

It also leaves Wednesday still sat rock-bottom on nine points, some four points from safety.

Josh Windass opened the scoring with a tap-in from close range in the fourth minute, but the Tykes soon rallied with a comeback.

They equalised through a Cauley Woodrow header before Dominik Frieser fired home a fine team-effort all by the 37th minute.

After the match, Pulis lambasted his side and dubbed their opener “comical” and indeed, he isn’t far from the truth. It all swung down to the display of Joe Wildsmith between the sticks for the Owls.

No other player picked up a worse rating (6.1) and it is hardly a surprise to see why.

The 24-year-old academy graduate also lost possession 28 times, more than any other player. He even struggled with the accuracy of his goal kicks, making just 20 of 47 passes (43%), via SofaScore.

It’s made worse by the fact that he was so heavily involved, recording 50 touches, which was more than Moses Odubajo and Windass, who both played the full 90 minutes.

YorkshireLive’s Dom Howson summed it up well in his match ratings, giving the young shot-stopper a five out of ten, he said:

“His kicking was poor early on and will feel he should have done better for Woodrow’s goal when he flapped at a corner. “

Owls first-choice, Keiren Westwood, has been out injured, so it may be time to turn to Cameron Dawson, who was often favoured under Monk.

Wildsmith deserves to be axed after such a shocking and pathetic display and it’s not like Pulis is light on options between the sticks.

AND in other news, Chansiri can solve Pulis’ major headache with Sheff Weds swoop for “dangerous” monster…

West Brom’s wait to pick up their first victory of the season rumbles on for another week after they were involved in the Premier League’s first 0-0 of the season on Monday night.

Slaven Bilic and his side couldn’t find a way past fellow strugglers Burnley despite notching more possession (56%) and shots (13) on the night.

Although the Albion boss will be buoyed by the fact that they finally secured a clean sheet having leaked a whopping 13 goals prior to kick-off, which before the international break was the joint-worst record across the top four divisions in England.

This will have undoubtedly come thanks to the introductions of Ahmed Hegazi and Branislav Ivanovic, who both were handed surprise starts above usual first-choice duo Kyle Bartley and Semi Ajayi.

But not everyone was on it, none more so than Grady Diangana who put in an uncharacteristically anonymous showing on the wing.

The 22-year-old, who signed in an £18m permanent deal this summer, somehow lasted the full 90 minutes on the pitch despite being largely ineffective.

Per SofaScore, Diangana won just 41% of a whopping 22 duels, lost possession 17 times, committed three fouls and could only muster up one shot, one key pass and one dribble all game.

Last season, the England U21 international was an integral part of the Baggies’ promotion-winning squad as he scored eight goals and provided six assists whilst he also averaged 2.4 dribbles, 1.6 shots and 1.4 key passes per game, via WhoScored.

Clearly, it was not his night at the Hawthorns earlier this week and it could soon be a worry for Bilic if his star man isn’t performing at the same heights.

BirminghamLive gave Diangana a 6/10 and added: “[he] was frustrated and blunted by Erik Pieters, who himself was playing out of position and ought to have been exploited more.”

He’ll need to do far better if West Brom are to pick up their first three points of the campaign anytime soon.

AND in other news, Baggies lightweight who lost possession THIRTY times badly let Bilic down…